Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8) provides tenant-based assistance, in the form of a voucher, to low-income families, for rental units of their choice in the private market. Program applicants choose from a variety of housing options, including apartments, duplexes, single-family homes and townhomes. Vouchers can also be used to help families buy homes.

Program participants issued a housing voucher are responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of their choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. The unit may include the participant’s present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the Inkster Housing Commission.

A housing subsidy is paid to the property owner directly by the Housing Commission on behalf of the participant. The participant then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the property owner and the amount subsidized by the program. A participant’s rent is usually about 30 percent of their monthly income.

Income eligibility limits for the voucher program are set by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as percentages of the local area median income. The incomes below are the maximum household income based on the number of family members in the household. Only applicants who meet the following income limits are eligible.

Family Members/ Income Limit

1 - $31,350

2 - $35,800

3 - $40,300

4 - $44,750

5 - $48,350

6 - $51,950

7 - $55,500

8 - $59,100

The wait time for a qualified applicant may take several years and is dependent on the availability of vouchers.

When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will receive a letter in the mail inviting you to attend the eligibility meeting, which will give you detailed information on what to bring to this meeting.

The Inkster Housing Commission will begin the verification process. Once your information is successfully verified, you will receive a letter with a date for a voucher briefing appointment.

During the interview, you will be asked to complete a series of documents verifying that you are eligible. A criminal background check is conducted to verify that no household members have been arrested for drug or violent crimes. Registered sex offenders and anyone convicted of manufacturing methamphetamines in public housing are not eligible. You are then issued a Housing Choice Voucher after attending a briefing on how best to utilize the voucher.

It is very important that all of the documents in the packet are completed. The Housing Commission will verify with a third party (i.e. employer, etc.) to make sure that the information submitted is correct. Failure to return these complete documents will result in your withdrawal from the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list.

It is required that Social Security cards are submitted for everyone in your household if they have a Social Security number. If any family member does not have a Social Security number, they must submit a signed certification that they have no number. If you cannot find your card or you’ve never had a Social Security number, we will accept copies of documents that show your proof of eligible immigration status.

It is required that photo I.D.’s are submitted for everyone in your household over the age of 18. There are no exceptions.

It is required that either birth certificates or passports be submitted for everyone in your household. The only exceptions are children under 6 years old.  If you cannot get the identification needed by your designated deadline, we will accept receipts of purchase showing that you’ve purchased a replacement birth certificate.

An asset is anything that you own, which can increase in value. This can mean, but is not limited to, your home, investments, family/personal businesses, etc.

Fair market value is what your assets are worth today.

No. We use the information to verify eligibility for the program before scheduling you for a voucher briefing.

As a program participant, generally, you pay 30% of your adjusted monthly income for rent and the Housing Commission pays the balance to the owner.

You will be informed of the Payment Standard for your household size and income prior to the issuance of your voucher.

You must notify the Housing Commission in writing of any change of address or in a change of family composition. Please include your Social Security number on any correspondence sent to us.  Changes will be made prior to contacting applicants about their placement on the waiting list.

If you do not notify the Housing Commission in writing of a change of address and any correspondence sent to you is returned, or if you do not respond to a scheduled appointment or any request for additional information, you will be removed from the waiting list and you will need to wait until the waiting list is open again to apply.

Housing Choice Voucher Program participants can take their vouchers with them if they move (port) within the U.S. to another area with a Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Voucher Program participant MUST notify the Housing Commission where they currently live that they want to utilize the Portability option of the voucher to transfer to Inkster or from Inkster to another city of their choice.  Once the portability request is approved, your PHA issues the family a voucher and must contact the Inkster Housing Commission on the family’s behalf. Your PHA must promptly notify the Inkster Housing Commission to expect the incoming family. This means your PHA contacts the Inkster Housing Commission on the family’s behalf, typically by telephone, fax, or email. Simply referring the family to HUD or to a website for information on the Inkster Housing Commission’s address does not fulfill the responsibilities of your PHA under the program regulations.

All Portability paperwork should be sent by your Housing Commission to the Inkster Housing Commission either by the fax number listed below or sent U.S. post to the address below.

Inkster Housing Commission
29150 Carlysle
Fax: 734-641-7730

The required paperwork should include:

• HUD-52665 Family Portability Information Form
• Client’s current voucher
• Current 50058 Form
• Client’s current income verifications
• Client contact address and phone number

After all of the client’s portability information is received by the Inkster Housing Commission, they will receive an appointment by mail within 2 weeks.

If you live in Inkster and wish to port out, please contact your assigned caseworker.

Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act-Guidance on New Tenant Protections

The value of your voucher is determined by the number of bedrooms you need, based on the size of your household. These are called the “Payment Standards”. The Payment Standards are adjusted each year around the first of January to reflect changes in the rental market. Inkster service two jurisdictions Wayne and Washtenaw Counties. The Payment Standards for this year are listed on this website page.

Yes, Human Trafficking and VAWA, and Homeless

Our website includes detailed information. You can also contact the Housing Choice Voucher at 313-561-2600.